Open Source Wobble Switch

[MMC_Jake (Jake McIvor)]

A wobble switch is a switch that can be activated by moving a ball or rod in any direction The switch typically has a fairly low activation force and can be activated with various parts of the body including: hands, head, chin, tongue through cheek. The springiness means they can be useful for users who are able to perform gross motor movements.

(Image: AMDi Wobble Switch)

A number of commercial wobble switches are available, but they are quite expensive.

Commercially Available Wobble Switches

Name	Vendor	Cost	Link
Ultimate Assistive Technology Switch	Enabling Devices	$80 USD Switch, $150 USD w/ mount	https://enablingdevices.com/product/ultimate-switch/
Wobble Switch	Prentrom	$195	https://store.prentrom.com/wobble-switch
Wobble Switch	AbleNet	$100 USD	https://www.ablenetinc.com/wobble-switch
Wobble Switch	AMDi	$100 USD	https://www.amdi.net/products/switches/wobble-switch/

A cost-effective alternative has been specifically requested by a children’s rehab program.

The purpose of this thread is to assess how much interest there is in this design, and what sort of features are important.

• An open source wobble switch design would be useful for me or someone I know.
• I would like to test prototypes and provide feedback.

Please comment below:

1. Any important features this design should have
2. Any existing open source projects

[MMC_Jake (Jake McIvor)]

We’ve started some initial design work on an open-source Wobble Switch, and have a functional prototype:

The design currently uses a commercially available limit switch (e.g. https://www.amazon.ca/uxcell®-ME-8166-Flexible-Spring-Momentary/dp/B07KM22TZ2, $18 for 3), some fasteners, and some 3D printed components. This design is a work in progress, but preliminary files are available on GitHub: https://github.com/makersmakingchange/Open-Wobble-Switch/tree/Dev

Over the next while, we will be looking at a more modular design for the wand topper and developing a full set of documentation. If you have any ideas or want to get involved in the design and/or testing, let us know.

[MMC_Stewart (Stewart Russell)]

I’m not here for posting spoilers, but are you going to let people know it’s public now?

on the high-five option!

[MMC_Jake (Jake McIvor)]

An initial version of this switch has been released to the MMC Library here:

Open Wobble Switch

Originally published at: https://www.makersmakingchange.com/project/open-wobble-switch/ The Open Wobble Switch is a cost effective, open source assistive switch similar to commercially available Wobble Switches. The switch is activated by applying force to and moving a wand in any direction. The switch can be activated by various body parts including the limbs and head. It provides a momentary closed contact that can be used to activate various assistive devices. The switch provides a mome…

The design could benefit from some more testing, so you can submit a request through the site or add a message to that topic.